Cold weather, snow, and ice are all part of winter in some parts of the country, and for people living in those areas, it can be essential to winterize a car. Most cars and trucks can endure some cold, but some parts need attention to ensure the vehicle is dependable in harsh weather, no matter what the winter throws at it. 

Cooling System Care

The cooling system in your car needs preparation before the temperatures fall too low. It is essential to check the condition of the coolant in the system to ensure it will not freeze, and most garages can do that with a small sample of the coolant. A hydrometer is used to assess the condition of the coolant and will register the level of protection it has again cold temperatures. 

If the coolant is a few years old, it may be time to have a system flush, and new coolant put in the car when you winterize your car. If the temperatures outside fall below the protection level of the coolant, it can freeze in the engine block and hoses, causing damage to the engine and cracking the coolant lines. 

Charging System 

Another crucial part of your car to check when you winterize your car is the charging system and battery. Cold temperatures make it harder for the engine to turn over when it is cold outside, and a strong battery needs to be a priority. 

Having a battery check done in the fall is an excellent way to discover a problem before it occurs. Load testing the battery with an analyzer allows your auto technician to find dead cells or issues that may cause it to fail when trying to start your car first thing in the morning in extreme temperatures. When replacing the battery with a new one, get the best battery you can afford for your vehicle to provide optimal power and starting performance. 

Changing The Oil

Many people don't take the time to have an oil change when they winterize a car, but the oil in the engine is essential for lubrication, and if it is thin and dirty, it is not as effective as clean oil will be. When the engine first starts in the winter, the oil is thick from the cold, so it is critical that it can provide the most protection possible as the engine warms up. 

Sometimes changing the oil and using a lighter oil and some additional additives in the engine can help. However, if you are considering that, talk with your mechanic about the options, and remember to go back to a standard oil when the weather warms up in the spring.  

For more information about how to winterize vehicles, contact a local company.